King's Hawaiian Sweet Roll / 2x Burger Patties / 2x Bacon / 2x American Cheese / Lettuce / Tomato / Red Onion Recipe

Chill and slice

Remove ground beef from fridge and keep chilled until ready to form patties. Slice tomato into 4 thin (about 1/4-inch) rounds. Slice 1/4 medium red onion into thin rings. Separate and rinse lettuce leaves, then spin or pat dry. Split King's Hawaiian rolls horizontally if not pre-split and set aside.

If using whole roll pieces (rather than pre-split slider rolls), gently press center to create a small cavity for the patty to sit flat.

Divide the 16 oz ground beef into two equal portions (8 oz each) for two large burger patties. Gently form each portion into a round patty roughly 4-4.5 inches wide and about 3/4 inch thick, smoothing edges. Do not overwork the meat to keep patties tender.

Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb (helps prevent doming while cooking).

Season both sides of each patty evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly brush or sprinkle each side with 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce if using (adds umami).

Place a skillet over medium heat. Lay the 4 slices of bacon in a single layer. Cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crisp to your liking, about 8–12 minutes depending on thickness.

Transfer cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towel to drain. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) if desired while you cook the patties.

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and spread to coat.

Place the patties on the hot surface and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes to develop a crust. Flip the patties and cook the second side 3–4 minutes for medium (internal temperature ~140–145°F). Adjust time ±1–2 minutes for desired doneness.

During the last 60–90 seconds of cooking, place one American cheese slice on each patty, cover the pan with a lid or tent with foil to melt the cheese quickly and evenly.

Remove patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest 3–4 minutes.

While patties rest, wipe skillet of excess grease (reserve a little for toasting if you like). Place the King's Hawaiian roll halves cut-side down on the skillet over medium heat and toast until golden and slightly caramelized, about 30–60 seconds. Alternatively, toast under a broiler 30–45 seconds watching closely.

Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on the bottom bun of each sandwich and 1/2 tsp mustard on the top bun if using.

Place the warm, cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun. Layer two slices of crisp bacon on top of the patty (arrange to cover). Add 2 lettuce leaves (or a single folded leaf), then 2 tomato slices, and a few red onion rings (to taste). Top with the other bun half.

Lightly press down to compact the burger slightly, then serve immediately while hot.

Serve each burger with fries, chips, or a simple side salad. If you prefer, swap American cheese for cheddar or pepper jack. For extra sweetness contrast, add a thin dill pickle slice or a smear of BBQ sauce.